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Scutellarin combined with lidocaine exerts antineoplastic effect in human glioma associated with repression of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling

Purpose Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumors. Although great achievements have been made in the treatment, the efficacy is still unsatisfactory, which imposes a hefty burden on patients and society. Therefore, the exploration of new and effective anti-glioma drugs is urgent. Methods Human glioma cell lines U251 and LN229 were included in the study. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), plate clone formation assay, EdU incorporation assay and xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry. Then, transwell assay was used for assessing the migration. Moreover, tumor xenograft model was established to examine the effect of scutellarin (SCU) and lidocaine on the growth of glioma in vivo. Lastly, western blot was performed to detect the protein level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results In present study, we found that SCU and lidocaine suppressed the proliferation and migration, and induced the apoptosis of human glioma cell lines, including U251 and LN229 cells, in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, the combination of SCU and lidocaine further restrained the proliferation and migration ability of U251 and LN229 cells, while induced their apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, SCU and lidocaine also inhibited the growth of glioma in vivo, and the effect of the combination was better. Above all, the toxicity of SCU and its combination with lidocaine was low to normal astrocytes and neurons. Mechanistically, the effect of SCU and its combination with lidocaine on glioma cells was partially associated with the repression of EGFR signaling. Conclusions Scutellarin and lidocaine exerted a synergistic effect on suppressing the proliferation and migration and inducing the apoptosis of glioma cells, which was partly associated with the repression of EGFR signaling.

Evaluation of tourism ecological security and its obstacles in semi-arid river valley urban: a case study of Lanzhou, China

Effect and safety of ethanolamine oleate in sclerotherapy in patients with difficult-to-resect venous malformations: A multicenter, single-arm study

Objective To evaluate the effect and safety of sclerotherapy in patients with difficult-to-resect venous malformations treated with ethanolamine oleate. Design and setting This investigator-initiated clinical trial employed a multicenter, single-arm design and was conducted in Japan. Patients Overall, 44 patients with difficult-to-resect venous malformations were categorized into two cohorts: 22 patients with cystic-type malformations and 22 patients with diffuse-type malformations, including children (<15 years old). Interventions Adult patients received injections of 5% ethanolamine oleate solution, double diluted with contrast or normal saline, with a maximum dose of 0.4 mL/kg. The same method of administration was used for children (<15 years old). The maximum volume of the prepared solution in one treatment was 30 mL. Evaluation methods Treatment effect was assessed by evaluating the difference in lesion volume using magnetic resonance imaging as a primary endpoint and differences in pain using a visual analog scale as a key secondary endpoint. Results Among the 45 patients who consented, one was excluded owing to potential intracranial involvement of venous malformations during screening. Regarding the primary outcome, 26 of 44 patients (59.1%, 95% confidence interval: 44.41–72.31%) achieved ≥ 20% reduction in malformation volume, with 16 patients having cystic lesions (72.7%, 51.85–86.85%) and 10 patients having diffuse lesions (45.5%, 26.92–65.34%). Both cohorts showed significant improvement in self-reported pain scores associated with lesions 3 months post-sclerotherapy. No death or serious adverse events occurred. Hemoglobinuria was observed in 23 patients (52%), a known drug-related adverse event. Prompt initiation of haptoglobin therapy led to full recovery within a month for these patients. Conclusions Ethanolamine oleate shows potential as a therapeutic sclerosing agent for patients with difficult-to-resect venous malformations.

The role of self-rumination and self-reflection in depressive symptoms among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder traits

Abstract While some types of rumination have been reported as exacerbating factors in depressive symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits, the role of self-rumination remains underexplored. Additionally, self-reflection—a similar form of private self-consciousness which may have protective effects—has been even less examined. This study of 3,000 Japanese adults (aged 18–50 years) investigates self-rumination and self-reflection in depressive symptoms related to ADHD, using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation and linear regression for mediation/moderation. ADHD traits were correlated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), mediated by self-rumination (indirect effect = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.26]). Self-reflection was positively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.193, p < 0.001) but had a protective effect when controlling for self-rumination (β = −0.75, p < 0.001). Moderated mediation analysis showed self-reflection reduced depressive symptoms related to ADHD traits by moderating both the impact of ADHD traits on self-rumination and the influence of self-rumination on depressive symptoms. These effects were particularly significant for inattention traits. Our findings suggest that self-reflection, by mitigating self-rumination, may serve as a therapeutic target for depressive symptoms in adults with ADHD traits.

Ventricular function assessment using an ultrafast spoiled gradient echo sequence with an intravascular blood pool contrast agent in pediatric patients

Background Balanced steady-state free processing (bSSFP) MR sequence has long been considered the gold standard method for ventricular function assessment (VFA), and normal values are based on this acquisition. However, bSSFP sequence suffers from susceptibility artifacts due to scenarios such as cardiac implants. The T1-TFE sequence, also known as ultrafast spoiled gradient sequence, is less affected by such susceptibility artifacts. While it is unclear if T1-TFE sequence yields similar VFA results as the bSSFP sequence. Purpose To validate if the T1-TFE sequence, with an intravascular blood pool contrast agent, yields similar results for VFA as the gold-standard non-contrast bSSFP approach, so that the T1-TFE sequence can be used for VFA when bSSFP approach fails. Methods Two sets of images from two different sequences were utilized in this study. T1-TFE (with contrast) scans were used as one while bSSFP-derived images were used as the other. 37 pediatric patients were recruited into this study. Semi-automated software (cvi42) was used to segment and derive ventricular volumes. Image quality was objectively assessed by comparing signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) scores. Last, two expert readers provided a subjective analysis of image quality. Paired t-tests were used to assess significant differences in volumetric values (end-diastolic and end-systolic) between T1-TFE and bSSFP sequences. A Bland-Altman analysis evaluated potential bias and agreement between these sequences. Results Ventricular function assessment via volumetric data analysis resulted in no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and high R2 values. SNR and CNR scores also presented with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and nearly identical scores (SNR T1-TFE mean: 29.5 ± 3.1, SNR bSSFP mean: 28.8 ± 3.7, CNR T1-TFE mean: 28.8 ± 3.3, CNR bSSFP mean: 28.1 ± 4.0). Image quality assessment via expert subjective image analysis scores is consistent with the data. All Bland-Altman plots show good agreement and reveal no systematic bias or random error. Conclusion T1-TFE sequences in combination with Ferumoxytol allow reliable ventricular function assessment and overcome the limitations of traditional bSSFP MR sequences in this context.

Differences in risk factor profiles for peripheral artery disease compared to coronary, cerebral and carotid artery

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the greatest drivers for development of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in relation to coronary, precerebral, or cerebral artery disease This prospective study (Malmö Diet and Cancer study) included 26,681 participants. The diagnosis of incident PAD, coronary artery disease (CoAD), atherothrombotic ischemic stroke (IS) free from atrial fibrillation or flutter, and carotid artery disease (CaAD) was validated. A modified Lunn-McNeil competing risk analysis was performed to compare the Hazard Ratio (HR) strength of PAD in relation to CoAD, IS, or CaAD. The estimated population attributable risk fractions (PAF) for each atherosclerotic manifestation were estimated by first fit an age and sex adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression, and then estimate the PAF using the Direct method. Male sex, age, and hypertension were risk factors for development of all atherosclerotic manifestations. Current smoking accounted for 45.6% (95% CI 41.1–47.2), 16.1%, 14.0%, and 23.3% of the risk for development of PAD, CoAD, IS, and CaAD, respectively. Hypertension was more associated with development of PAD than CoAD (p = 0.009). Smoking and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with all four manifestations, but these associations were significantly stronger for PAD than the other three manifestations. Smoking and diabetes mellitus had a larger impact on incident PAD than incident coronary, cerebral or precerebral artery manifestations. Since the lower extremity arteries are the easiest to access and examine, they may be considered as the first arterial bed to examine in patients at increased risk for atherosclerotic manifestations.

Correction: Association between sanitary toilets and health poverty vulnerability among rural western Chinese adults aged 45 years and older: A cross-sectional study

Feasibility study of emotion mimicry analysis in human–machine interaction

Abstract Health apps have increased in popularity as people increasingly follow the advice these apps provide to enhance physical and mental well-being. One key aspect of improving neurosensory health is identifying and expressing emotions. Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining and enhancing social interactions. In this context, a preliminary closed-loop feedback system has been developed to help people project specific emotions by altering their facial expressions. This system is part of a research intervention aimed at therapeutic applications for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The proposed system functions as a digital mirror, initially displaying an animated avatar’s face expressing a predefined emotion. Users are then asked to mimic the avatar’s expression. During this process, a custom emotion recognition model analyzes the user’s facial expressions and provides feedback on the accuracy of their projection. A small experimental study involving 8 participants tested the system for feasibility, with avatars projecting the six basic emotions and a neutral expression. The study results indicated a positive correlation between the projected facial expressions and the emotions identified by participants. Participants effectively recognized the emotions, with 85.40% accuracy demonstrating the system’s potential in enhancing the well-being of individuals. The participants were also able to mimic the given expression effectively with an accuracy of 46.67%. However, a deficiency in the performance of one of the expressions, surprise, was noticed. In the post processing, this issue was addressed and model enhancements were tailored to boost the performance by ~ 30%. This approach shows promise for therapeutic use and emotional skill development. A further wider experimental study is still required to validate the findings of this study and analyze the impact of modifications made.

How corporate financialization affects main business performance—Empirical evidence based on a dynamic panel threshold model

Corporate financialization is a growing concern in China, and its impact on the main business of real enterprises is a crucial topic. This paper uses data from all A-share non-financial listed companies in China between 2013 and 2022 to establish a dynamic panel threshold model and test the effect of corporate financialization on enterprise performance. The empirical results indicate a threshold effect between the two variables, corporate financialization has both positive and negative effects on main business performance, with a threshold of 5.82%. Additionally, significant heterogeneous results are found for the nature of ownership, asset maturity, industry and regional distribution.

Artificial neural network with incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics for exothermic chemical reaction on heat and mass transfer in a rectangular annulus

Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome provides insights into the mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis in Polygonatum

A noteworthy group of culinary and medicinal plants is Polygonatum species. They are known for their abundant flavonoid compound-rich rhizomes, which have antioxidative and anticancer activities. Using Polygonatum sibiricum Red (SXHZ) and Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium (HBES), we conducted transcriptome and metabolomic investigations to look into the molecular processes that control the manufacture of these flavonoids in Polygonatum plants. Seven distinct flavonoid metabolites were identified by the analytical data, with phloretin exhibiting a notable differential expression in the biosynthetic pathway. 30 genes with differential expression were found in both plants after further investigation, five of which are members of the transcription factor family associated with MBW. Thus, we suggest that Phloretin and the genes belonging to the MYB-related transcription factor family play a crucial role in controlling the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in Polygonatum. This work lays the groundwork for a deeper comprehension of the biosynthesis and metabolic processes of flavonoids in Polygonatum, serving as an invaluable resource for the development of the polygonatum-related pharmaceutical industries as well as for the future breeding of Polygonatum plants with higher flavonoid content.

Sensorimotor adaptation reveals systematic biases in 3D perception

Public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to skin cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates

Objective To assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to skin cancer screening among the general population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods In this cross-sectional study, an online-based questionnaire was distributed via online social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others to the residents of the UAE. The questionnaire evaluated socio-demographics, knowledge (8 items), attitudes (10 items), practices (14 items), and barriers (9 items) in the context of skin cancer screening. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess variables associated with practice levels. Results The study included 924 participants (51.9% females), with a median (IQR) age of 32 (22–44) years. Results showed a window for knowledge improvement [median = 4 (3–6) out of a maximum potential score of 8], unfavourable attitudes [median = 37 (33–39) out of a maximum potential score of 50], inadequate practices [median = 41 (31–45) out of a maximum possible score of 70]. The most common barriers to skin cancer screening were lack of knowledge about skin cancer (74.1%), lack of awareness of the need for skin cancer screening (72.2%), and absence of symptoms (54.1%). Older age (OR = 0.985, 95%CI: 0.971–0.998) and lack of health insurance (OR = 0.478, 95%CI: 0.301–0.758) were associated with lower screening practices. Female gender (OR = 1.833, 95%CI: 1.361–2.469), being married (OR = 1.415, 95%CI: 1.006–1.992), being a non-smoker (OR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.045–2.352) or a former smoker (OR = 2.555, 95% CI: 1.082–6.034), and more favourable attitudes (OR = 1.071, 95%CI: 1.044–1.096) were associated with higher screening practices. Conclusion The UAE population exhibited moderate knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding skin cancer screening, with several barriers identified. Targeted online and in-person awareness campaigns are crucial for improving public understanding and attitudes, thereby enhancing screening practices, especially among older adults, males, smokers, and those without health insurance.

Incidence and predictors of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia

The effects of haloperidol on motor vigour and movement fusion during sequential reaching

Reward is a powerful tool to enhance human motor behaviour with previous research showing that during a sequential reaching movement, a monetary incentive leads to increased speed of each movement (motor vigour effect), whilst reward-based performance feedback increases the speed of transition between movements (movement fusion effect). The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a central role in the processing of reward signals and has been implicated to modulate motor vigour and regulate movement fusion. However, in humans, it is unclear if the same dopaminergic mechanism underlies both processes. To address this, we used a complex sequential reaching task in which rewards were based on movement times (MT). Crucially, MTs could be reduced via: 1) enhanced speed of individual movements (motor vigour effect) and/or 2) enhanced speed of transition between movements (movement fusion effect). 95 participants were randomly assigned to a reward or no reward group and were given either 2.5mg of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol or a placebo (control group). An independent decision-making task performed prior to the main experiment suggested that haloperidol was active during the sequential reaching task (positive control). We did not find evidence that haloperidol affected the facilitatory effects of reward on movement fusion. However, we found that haloperidol negated the reward-based effects on motor vigour. Therefore, our results suggest that a D2-antagonist differentially influences reward-based effects on movement vigour and movement fusion, indicating that the dopaminergic mechanisms underlying these two processes may be distinct.

Room temperature CRISPR diagnostics for low-resource settings

Aesthetic evaluation and the perceived properties of Chinese characters

Previous studies have indicated that the visually perceived properties of geometrical figures influence aesthetic evaluations. However, it is unclear whether findings based on geometrical figures can be extended to artworks such as paintings and calligraphy, as artworks have their own contents and meanings. To answer this question, we designed experiments in which users of Chinese characters were asked to rate the perceived symmetry, complexity, prototypicality, and beauty of Chinese characters. Each character was presented to 35 Japanese and Chinese participants in five typing fonts in a laboratory setting (Experiment 1), and to 100 Japanese participants in five calligraphic handwriting scripts online (Experiment 2). By analyzing the relative impacts of perceived properties on aesthetic evaluation and their interactions with script styles using a generalized linear mixed model, we discovered that script style plays an important role in the association between the perceived properties and aesthetic evaluation of Chinese characters. These results are discussed in relation to studies on the aesthetic evaluation of geometrical figures and recent studies using Chinese calligraphy.

Author Correction: Classification of RTV-coated porcelain insulator condition under different profiles and levels of pollution

Goal-line oracles: Exploring accuracy of wisdom of the crowd for football predictions

Football’s inherent volatility and low-scoring nature present unique challenges for predicting outcomes. This study investigates the efficacy of Wisdom of the Crowd in forecasting football match outcomes as well as expected goals (XG) across a Premier League season. Participants predicted team goal counts, which were then compared to actual expected goals (XG) and match results. Results across 760 team predictions reveal that while Wisdom of the Crowd accurately predicts XG on average, it overestimates ’big-6’ teams and underestimates others, hinting at inherent biases. Notably, however, collective crowd predictions outperform individual estimates consistently, affirming the power of collective intelligence. Furthermore, when tested against betting odds, Wisdom of the Crowd demonstrates limited profitability, indicating its potential as a supplementary rather than sole prediction tool. These findings underscore the nuanced dynamics of football prediction and highlight the utility of collective wisdom in navigating its complexities. Overall, this study contributes insights into crowd prediction dynamics and underscores its potential in football analytics, shedding light on its implications for decision-making and understanding group behaviour in sports forecasting contexts.

A comparative analysis of LSTM models aided with attention and squeeze and excitation blocks for activity recognition